[MCR] ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued August 25, 2011

ACMG Mountain Conditions Report Summary for the Rockies and Columbia Mountains issued August 25, 2011 Another week of near perfect summer weather has kept conditions on many mountains and routes in the forecast area in very good shape. WEATHER The weather forecast for the weekend throughout the Rockies and Columbia Mountains calls for relatively warm and sunny weather. Although this could change, the current forecast of stable weather should give some confidence to those seeking longer objectives. There were a few warm clear nights this week which accounted for some marginal freezes but the overnight temperatures on the weekend look to be more seasonal. GENERAL CONDITIONS Conditions have not changed much in the last week. Above 3000 m and on north faces, routes will likely be more snowy and icy then they would normally be at this time of year. Reports from the North Ridge of Assiniboine described a hard surface of snow and ice with short rock steps nearly all the way to the summit. Similarly, on the Southeast Ridge of Victoria, the significant amount of snow and large cornices has been making for very slow travel. It also seems that some of the snow is starting to get thinner and more bare ice sections are exposed. Many routes that would normally no longer require crampons and axes at this time of year are still very involved and engaging. On sunnier aspects and lower elevations much of the new snow and verglass reported last week has melted off. Most of the long alpine rock routes in the Bugaboos and Rogers Pass our snow free and good to go but a bit of ice and snow can be expected in high and shady areas. HAZARDS With the warm temperatures and lots of melting going on, rock fall is still a concern as the days heat up. In general cornices are shrinking but in some cases may still pose a concern that is not common for this time of year. Get up early, move fast and keep looking up! Glacier are still in pretty good shape but everyday of warm sunny weather we get is making the bridges thinner and weaker over crevasses and moats. Have a great weekend. Marc Piché ACMG Mountain Guide
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field. Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.

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These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The 
ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in 
continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable 
nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information 
provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions 
Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.